Jo Malone CBE

Founder of Leading Fragrance Brand Jo Malone London, Author of ‘Jo Malone: My Story’ & Founder of Jo Loves & Jo Vodka

Jo Malone’s CBE Biography:

Jo Malone CBE is acclaimed as the ‘English scent maverick’ and is recognised as one of the world’s most influential fragrance entrepreneurs. Originally a facial therapist, Jo discovered her passion for fragrance while working from her home-based skincare clinic in London. Word quickly spread about her handmade creations, leading to the launch of Jo Malone London, a brand that became a global success. After selling the business to The Estée Lauder Companies in 1999, she remained Creative Director until 2006, when she left the brand completely. Jo is no longer associated with the Jo Malone London brand or its products.

Driven by an unwavering passion for creativity and fragrance, Jo founded Jo Loves in 2011. Built on innovation, integrity and craftsmanship, the brand offers a collection of fragrances, bath and body products, candles and lifestyle collections inspired by personal memories and meaningful moments. In 2023, Jo and her husband Gary relocated to Dubai, UAE, where they founded Jo Creates, a company dedicated to exploring what she describes as ‘the five senses of Jo’ through a range of new business ventures. The first of these, Jo Vodka, launched in 2025. Jo’s distinctive approach to fragrance is rooted in storytelling and emotion, drawing inspiration from everyday experiences, from freshly washed linen to treasured family holidays, creating scents that are both personal and memorable.

Jo’s achievements have been recognised throughout her career. She was appointed MBE in 2008 before being awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2018 for services to the British economy. In 2016, she was inducted into the World Retail Congress Hall of Fame, one of the retail industry’s highest honours. Having overcome dyslexia, breast cancer and a childhood spent in government-subsidised housing, Jo’s journey reflects remarkable resilience, determination and entrepreneurial vision, making her one of Britain’s most admired business leaders.

Today, Jo is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, sharing insights into entrepreneurship, creativity, branding and innovation with audiences worldwide. She speaks openly about building global businesses, embracing reinvention and changing the way people experience fragrance. Her expertise has also been recognised by the BBC, which invited her to become one of its Maestros, with her course, ‘How to Think Like an Entrepreneur’, achieving international success. Jo believes this chapter of her career is her most creative and exciting yet, continuing to inspire entrepreneurs and business leaders through her passion, resilience and commitment to innovation.

Jo Malone’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Jo Malone’s influential career:

• 2025 – Founded Jo Vodka, expanding her creative ventures beyond fragrance and into lifestyle branding.
• 2024 – Launched the BBC Maestro course on “Building a Successful Brand,” sharing her expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs.
• 2023 – Founded Jo Malone CBE Creative Consultancy, advising global companies on innovation, authenticity, and brand storytelling.
• 2018 – Appointed CBE for Services to the British Economy and the GREAT British Campaign, recognising her contribution to British enterprise.
• 2016 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame at the World Retail Congress in Dubai for her outstanding impact on global retail.
• 2016 – Published Jo Malone: My Story, an autobiography detailing her personal and professional journey.
• 2013 – Opened the first Jo Loves store on Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, marking her return to the fragrance world.
• 2011 – Founded Jo Loves, a new fragrance brand inspired by her passion and creativity.
• 2008 – Appointed MBE for Services to the Beauty Industry, acknowledging her influence on British beauty and retail.
• 1990 – Founded Jo Malone London, introducing a new era of luxury, minimalist fragrance design.